This year Ashburton College made a welcome return to the Polyfest for the first time since 2018. Our student leaders had the ambitious aim of leading and teaching the dances themselves without parent tutors.

With this goal in mind they had five weeks of intense practice with three lunch times and two after school sessions each week. Our group achieved their goal of a student led production with the only input from parents being some of the girls costuming and hair styles.

The event itself took place on March 13th in the Red Zone in Christchurch. It is a large area which can accommodate  20+ food stalls, 15 schools, 1000 spectators and host the 18m x 10m performance stage.

Our group had 64 performers on stage, supported by 6 drummers and musicians. We performed after lunch and whilst there was no official judging the positive response from the audience made it clear that our group was popular. Most schools performed Samoan dances and songs but we included songs and dances from Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands which was noted by all three communities.

The festival continues to grow in popularity with most secondary schools being represented, some for the first time. 

Our student leaders deserve acknowledgement because of their positive and efficient leadership. So I wish to acknowledge, Isi Ula, Pasi Hala, Mark Gabriel, Shrina Afu, Easterlin Faamausili, Mahina Pongia, Victoria Pupuke and Penina Vaaelua. All our performers represented Ashburton College and their cultures with pride.

Also thanks to Julia Bell, Abbey Bruce and Jayne Cornelius for accompanying our group to the event. 

Ross Preece